OPPORTUNITIES
For Inclusive Recreation
WHAT IS INCLUSION?
Inclusion is when EVERYONE, children and adults, with and without disabilities, participate side-by-side in recreational programs and events. Inclusion is when people of all abilities are able to ACCESS city facilities, participate in city functions and recreational programs with ease!
People of all abilities are encouraged to join the fun! Your local parks and recreation departments invite you to participate in the multitude of recreational programs and events they offer. Some St. Louis park departments are committed to providing inclusive recreational opportunities, and have a Coordinator of Inclusive Recreation on staff.
WHAT IS A COORDINATOR OF INCLUSIVE RECREATION?
A Coordinator of Inclusive Recreation assists parks and recreation departments by including people with disabilities into existing programs. The Coordinator's role is to work with the participant, family members, teachers, friends, and the recreation program staff to ensure that reasonable appropriate and individualized accommodations are provided. Some examples of accommodations may include:
- Changing staff to participant ratio
- Modifying activities
- Hiring a sign language interpreter
- Arranging for participant to meet staff prior to activity
- Observing participant at school or work
- Monitoring participation to ensure accommodations are effective
- Reassuring parents
In addition to assisting with accommodations, the Coordinator's role is to train parks and recreation staff. Staff receives training, which consists of disability etiquette, inclusion philosophy, behavioral support strategies, and how to adapt activities.
Challenges to inclusion do exist. Through open communication and the willingness to work cooperatively, successful inclusion CAN happen.
WHAT RECREATION PROGRAMS CAN I ATTEND?
The parks and recreation departments offer a wide range of programs and events. You may choose to attend any or all of the activities that interest you. Some examples of activities may include:
- Daycamp
- Fitness
- Swimming
- T-Ball
- Craft Classes
The list is endless. Call your local recreation department to find out more about the activities and events that are currently being offered.
FOR MORE INFO
If you would like more information about inclusion services, you can contact the parks and recreation department directly or the Inclusion Coordinator at the numbers listed below:
North County Region Consists of:
- Bellefontaine Neighbors (314) 867-0700
- Bridgeton (314) 739-5599
- Ferguson (314) 521-4661
- Florissant (314) 839-7670
- Hazelwood (314) 731-0980
- St. Ann (314) 429-4545
Chris Ramsey, CTRS,
Coordinator of Inclusive Recreation
Phone: (314) 839-5575
Mid-County Region Consists of:
- Clayton (314) 290-8500
- Maryland Heights (314) 434-1919
- University City (314) 862-6767 ext. 275
- Webster Groves (314) 963-5600
Mary C. Furfaro,
Coordinator of Inclusive Recreation/Services
Phone: (314) 963-5668
South/West County Region Consists of:
- Ballwin (636) 227-8950
- Crestwood (314) 729-4860
- Des Peres (314) 966-4252
- Ellisville (636) 227-7508
- Fenton (636) 343-0067
- Kirkwood (314) 822-5855
- Manchester (636) 391-6326
Terri Johnson, CTRS/CLP,
Coordinator of Inclusive Recreation
(314) 835-6157
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